Five questions before the 49ers’ preseason finale

A few questions that may (or may not) be answered in the 49ers’ final preaseason game Thursday in San Diego:

1. Is the offensive line really that awful?

It’s not possible. Right? Well, last week’s performance against the Texans didn’t exactly inspire many reasons for optimism. Houston brought plenty of pressure without blitzing and, equally troubling, it was lesser lights Antonio Smith and Connor Barwin — not Pro Bowlers Mario Williams and Brian Cushing — who were wreaking much of the havoc.

Josh McCown

2. Is Josh McCown a serviceable NFL quarterback?

McCown has yet to take a preseason snap since he was signed on Aug. 17 and he hasn’t taken an NFL snap, period, since 2009. The Niners surely want to see the former UFL quarterback in game action before the regular season kicks off. He might be No. 3 on the depth chart, but if the answer to question No. 1 is “yes,” he might also be starting by Week 3 (or the third quarter of Week 1).

3. Will Kendall Hunter be Frank Gore’s primary backup?

Granted, Hunter has logged more time against second-string defenses, but, still, the disparity in the numbers between the rookie and Anthony Dixon is about as big as the 5-foot-7 Hunter …

Hunter: 24 carries, 174 yards, 7.3 avg., 1 TD

Dixon: 27 carries, 84 yards, 3.1 avg., 0 TD

It’s possible these two could split carries in a timeshare behind Gore. At this point, though, Hunter looks like the far more dynamic running back.

4. Is Aldon Smith ready for the regular season?

After flashing frequently early in training camp, the rookie learning a new position in the NFL has looked much like a rookie learning a new position in the NFL. His attempt to cover Houston tight end Owen Daniels last week neatly illustrated why he might be a situational pass-rusher this season and not an every-down starter.

Ronald Johnson

5. Will a few draft picks fail to make the roster?

It’s hard not to root for sixth-round pick Ronald Johnson, who sleeps with a football named “Son” and even has been known to buckle the little guy in the passenger seat next to him. Johnson is clearly passionate about the game, but he also doesn’t have a catch (he’s been targeted 10 times) in the preseason and fumbled a punt last week. He also dropped a pass, which is a no-no for a 5-10, 185-pounder without blazing speed.

Fellow sixth-rounder Colin Jones doesn’t have the versatility the coaching staff prizes — the college safety was moonlighting at receiver during training camp — and will need to convince them he has the stuff to be a special-teams stalwart.